Welcome to Critical Reasoning



Hi, I am John Ballam and I lecture/facilitate the PLS2601 module of Critical Reasoning at Varsity College Durban North. This Wiki is primarily designed for students studying PLS2601 at VC in semester 2, 2010 at Durban North and other lecturers at VC lecturing the subject at other campuses.

Your may also participate if you are:

a) Studying at another VC Campus
b) Studying this module with UNISA but are not registered at Varsity College
c) Have a general interest in Philosophy

However in terms of my response priority will be given to Varsity College students and lecturers.

The wiki will follow the syllabus in chronological order, each week will have theme. Try watch the clips referred to, if you are unable to get access to the video material, Google and read up on the issues referred to. The more informed you are the more fun it will be for you to participate. This wiki is not meant to replace your lectures or course material it is a supplementary source to take your learning one step further.

If you want to dig a bit deeper into philosophy you can also visit another wiki of mine originally designed for my past students http://grow-another-mind.wikispaces.com/ .

The deep end of the philosophical swimming pool is on my blog http://johnjcb.wordpress.com/about/ )

Before you start

To participate on this Wiki it would be helpful if you would......


  1. Engage as lecturer or student.
  2. If you haven't been on a wiki before go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dnL00TdmLY this is a basic introduction, then follow the other links to more comprehensive introductions.
  3. Use standard English.
  4. Share all the resources you know of that make this subject come alive (websites, links, You Tube etc)
  5. Post questions, queries and materials that interest you.
  6. Be kind and critical in your responses to others.
  7. Now watch this brilliant easy to follow introduction to critical thinking http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OLPL5p0fMg